William Jerry Murphy

William Jerry Murphy, age 88, passed away peacefully, going to be with his Lord and Savior on January 16, 2025, in Biloxi, MS. 

Bill was born on February 1, 1938, in Algoma, Mississippi, to Jerry Colton Murphy and Analara Harwood Murphy. He attended Algoma High School then enlisted in the United States Army. Bill was deployed to Korea where he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal and Korean Service Medal. He served two years and six months overseas. Bill returned to the United States and transferred to the United States Army Reserve and was honorably discharged in August 1961.

Bill pursued a career as an Ironworker, becoming a Journeyman Ironworker in Des Moines, Iowa local 67. In the mid 1960’s, he joined Babcock and Wilcox, where he quickly rose to upper management. Bill became a lead project superintendent and regional representative. He managed the construction of many multi-million-dollar coal and nuclear power generation plants throughout the United States.

Early in the 1990’s, Bill semi-retired to his hometown of Pontotoc, where he owned and operated several small businesses throughout his remaining years. Bill regularly volunteered his time in the service of fellow veterans, often transporting them to and from the V.A. in Memphis, TN.

During his lifetime, Bill became a Master Mason, a member of the American Legion Post 16 in Pontotoc, and other civic organizations. He was an avid golfer, belonging to the Pontotoc Country Club, and a pretty good dancer!

He was a man of integrity, a man of honor (his word was his bond). Bill cherished family and friends. Whenever you needed him, he was there. We shall miss his laughter, kindness, his joy of life, giving heart, and unique southern sayings. 

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Norma Jean Daniels Murphy; both parents; his sister, Susan Patricia Murphy-Lepard-Moore; his brother, Edgar Larry Murphy; his son, William Jerry Murphy II; step-daughter. Cheryl Young; sister-in-law, Patricia Ann Murphy; and brothers-in-law, Harold Lepard and Floyd Moore.

Bill is survived by his son, John Murphy; step-daughter, Terri Pointer; grandson, William Jerry Murphy III; granddaughter, Emily Barozinsky; step-grandchildren, Juli Sanchez (Russ), Ami Abuan, Todd Adams, Christian Haffner (Rebekah), Micah Haffner (Andrea); great-step-children, Christopher, Sahara, Jordan, Kyra, Kellen, Tristan, and Merak; and special friend, Miss Betty Stevens.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made to American Legion Post 16, 311 Center Ridge Drive, Pontotoc, MS 38863, notating “Bill Murphy” in the memo.

A Graveside Service will be held at Pontotoc City Cemetery in Pontotoc, MS on Friday, January 24, 2025 at 12:30 pm. 

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of William Jerry Murphy.